History and things worth seeing in the villages of Damme

	Damme Damme is one of the smallest and at the same time one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Belgium. It's situated in the fertile green polders and is the ideal base for a refreshing hike or bicycle trip with the whole family. It's reputation as a gastronomical highlight precedes itself even beyond the traditional borders of the country. Since a few years you can also still your literary hunger in this peaceful town because it has become one of the few book villages in Belgium. On top of that, Damme has several marvellous monuments within its historical town walls. In short, Damme has it all if you're looking for a few pleasant days in the Flemish countryside. [have a look]
	Den Hoorn Counting a little more than a thousand souls, Den Hoorn is the third largest settlement in Damme. Saint Rita is the patron saint of this village and since a few decades it has become a real lieu of pilgrimage for their patron of helpless cases. It's even so popular that it is the most visited place of worship of the area. [have a look]
	Hoeke Rural Hoeke is the smallest village of all villages in Damme. It lies peacefully next to the canal ("Damse Vaart") but do not be mistaken: this small hamlet used to be a geniune town in the Middle Ages. However, there was quite a lot of misfortune in its turbulent past, so not much is left of this old buzzing harbour town. Nevertheless, it still is worth a visit. It has a operative windmill and the charming little church is one of the most picturesque ones in the area. When you're here, you can leave all upheaval behind you when enjoying the calming canal or one of the inviting terraces next to it. [have a look]
	Lapscheure Lapscheure is mainly a farming village. Because of its isolated location it is an oasis of peace and quietness for man and animal. The remains of the medieval creek area are still very visible here, attracting a wide variety of birds and waterfowl. At walking distance of the recently restored church lies a natural reserve ("Platte Kreek"). If you like spotting birds or just want to enjoy the natural environment, then youre sure to find something to your heart's desire. [have a look]
	Moerkerke With slightly over two thousand inhabitants, Moerkerke is the second largest community in Damme. Around the center you will find lots of green. You can make great hikes or bicycle rides along the twin canals (Leopoldcanal and Schipdonkcanal) that run just outside the centre. There are quite a lot of small chapels here and old farms. The pride and joy of each inhabitant of Moerkerke is without a doubt the castle that can be found in the centre. [have a look]
	Oostkerke Oostkerke is undoubtedly one of the prettiest villages in West-Flanders, even in the whole of Flanders. In 1974 it got effectively elected as the most pretty and in 2008 it was selected in the top 50 of Flanders. The best proof is to check it out yourself; you will not be disappointed! The centre is small and charming; the old white houses make it very cosy. At a stone's throw you will discover the castle and two windmills. Of course we cannot forget the church with its typical flat tower. [have a look]
	Sijsele Somewhat different than all the other villages is Sijsele. It's the only village that is not situated in the wet polders but in sand region. So you will not find creeks or dikes here. You will find other things here such as the only wood on Damme's territory: the domain of Ryckevelde with its neogothic castle. Sijsele is also by far the largest community (more than half of all inhabitants of the Damme district live here) which makes it the political heavyweight of the municipality. [have a look]
	Vivenkapelle Vivenkapelle is often referred to as a pearl of neogothic architecture. This is mainly due to its neogothic complex (only a few exist in Belgium that can withstand the comparison). Before 1 January 1977, the village was a part of neighbouring Sint-Kruis (part of Bruges). Vivenkapelle's most famous inhabitant is its bronze horse. This sculpture was created by Jef Claerhout and was inaugurated in 1977. Next to this, the protected village centre and some old farms, such as the "Vierschaere", are worth seeing. [have a look]